A Droplet

Caran d’Ache, the Geneva Maison de Haute Ecriture, and Lalique, the French crystal-maker and jeweller, have combined their arts in an exceptional limited edition: Crystal.

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The Black Crystal andWhite Crystal pens

At the heart of their meeting is a droplet. A droplet of water or a droplet of ink, it symbolises the virtuosity of the two manufacturers, both born at the start of the 20th century and both experts in their fields. The creators of the collection were inspired by the famous Coutard Motif, created by René Lalique in 1935 when the order was placed for the fountain that carries his name.

The motif, representing a sprinkle of water droplets covers the pen. It evokes both Art Nouveau in the rounded form of the droplets and Art Deco in their meticulous positioning. In the droplets we can see the beauty of nature, its rhythm and discipline.This gives the Crystal writing instruments a special aura. As imprints of emotion and sensuality they become objects that are not only a pleasure to use but also to touch.

The design is completed by ceramic droplets, the flow of diamonds andan iconic Lalique cabochon ofsatin-brushed crystal that plays subtle games with the light

THE CRYSTAL LIMITED EDITION WAS PRODUCED IN THE CARAN D’ACHE AND LALIQUE WORKSHOPS, DRAWING ON A HERITAGE OF EXPERT CRAFTSMANSHIP PASSED DOWN OVER SEVERAL GENERATIONS. THESE EXCLUSIVE PENS ARE MADE IN NOBLE AND PRECIOUS MATERIALS – CERAMIC, BLACKENED GOLD, RHODIUM-COATED SILVER, DIAMONDS AND REVEAL THEIR PERSONALITY IN METICULOUS HAND-FINISHING

The craftsmen have created the pattern in relief, a remarkable technical achievement. The design is completed by the ceramic droplets, the flow of diamonds and an iconic Lalique cabochon of satin-brushed crystal that plays subtle games with the light.

The Crystal Limited Edition was produced in the Caran d’Ache and Lalique workshops, drawing on a heritage of expert craftsmanship passed down over several generations. These exclusive pens are made in noble and precious materials – ceramic, blackened gold, rhodium-coated silver, diamonds – and reveal their personality in meticulous hand-finishing that require the skills of a virtuoso to execute. The polishing – an expertise shared by both companies – leaves no room for error if the light is to be reflected perfectly from the curved surfaces.

Checking the surface of the pen; the precise flow of the ink that paves the way for good penmanship; carefully placing the diamonds; a closer quality check to ensure the perfect design

The motif represents the sprinkling of water droplets. Diamonds are brushed onto the surface

The pen is hand crafted
with precise details
The crystal at the tip is set using the LS technique

The manufacturing talent practised since 1915 at Caran d’Ache is echoed at Lalique: the famous crystal at the tip of the pens is set by Lalique master jewellers using the LS technique. This creates a sumptuous crown of sparkling light around the crystal. Depending on the edition, the high-purity diamonds are set one by one in the same way to flow gently over these Fine Writing Instruments, highlighting their perfect forms and materials.

The Black Crystal Edition

…Presents the Coutard motif on a background of black ceramic. This brilliant material makes the droplets seem to come alive by emphasising their relief gently but powerfully. A cabochon of Lalique crystal, set by hand into a ring of silver surround, crowns the pen and creates a striking contrast between the satin-brushed and polished finishes. The edition is limited to 999 fountain pens, sold at CHF 3,000 (USD 3,460) and 999 roller pens, for CHF 2,600 (USD 3,000).

The White Crystal Edition

…Glows with brilliance and purity. The white ceramic body of the pen suggests the Coutard motif. The sparkle of its rhodium-coated, silvered trim is echoed in the cabochon of Lalique crystal, set within a ring that seems to seize the light. As a final touch, a highly desirable diamond solitaire sits on the clip, completing the majestic splendour of the writing instrument. The edition is limited to 999 fountain pens available at CHF 3,300 (USD 3,805) and 999 roller pens which go for CHF 2,950 (USD 3,402).

The Crystal & Diamonds Edition

…In white gold creates a fascinating play of light and dark that borders on the sublime. 341 diamonds weighing 3 carats, meticulously selected for their absolute purity, are artfully set to represent the cascade of droplets over the body of the writing instrument. The light reflections reach their peak in cabochons that seem to float at the tips of the pen. The edition is limited to 18 fountain pens. To accompany this prestige edition, Lalique has designed a special ink bottle in satin-brushed crystal. Sprinkled with droplets, it is produced with the lost-wax process that was used by Réné Lalique until 1930. Derived from an ancient method of casting sculptures in bronze, its delicacy and cost means it is rarely used today. But for the few craftsmen who have mastered the technique it can create exquisite sculptures of all kinds giving free rein to their creativity. This is an emotive art object that cries out to be touched and, because it is entirely produced by hand, each one is unique. The colour of the Caran d’Ache ink is revealed through the crystal. On the base of the bottle is the diamond-engraved Lalique signature.The Crystal & Diamonds edition and its ink bottle are presented in a beautifully lacquered box, created in solid sycamore wood and decorated with a shower of crystal cabochons. Price available on demand.

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